Timing closure monitoring circuit and method

Abstract

An integrated circuitcomprises a timing closure monitoring circuit. The timing closure monitoring circuitcomprises a duplicate path, having the same characteristics as a logic pathbeing monitored. The duplicate pathreceives a pulsed reference signalfrom a reference generating unit (RGU). The pulsed reference signalis synchronized with the clock signal, and passed through the duplicate pathto a reference checking unit (RCU). In a normal mode of operation in which timing closure is guaranteed, the clock signalwill sample the pulsed reference signal, such that no interrupt signal is generated on the interrupt line. However, in the situation where the reference check unitis clocked by the clock signalprior to the pulsed reference signalbeing received via the duplicate path, an interrupt signal is generated on the interrupt line, indicating that timing closure cannot be guaranteed.